AS part of its efforts to promote friendship and camaraderie in the international basketball community, the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) will participate in the Australian Chinese Basketball Association (ACBA) Easter Classic tournament scheduled March 27 to April 3, 2024, in New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

The NCRAA will be represented by Season 29 champion Immaculada Concepcion College, headed by school owner Marco Agana and head coach, former PBA player Ogie Gumatay.

The Filipinos will showcase their skills and talents in the eight-day competition, which will also feature seven other teams: five from New South Wales, one from Malaysia, and one from Africa.

“It’s a big honor both for NCRAA and Immaculada Concepcion College to be invited to play in Sydney, Australia,” said Gumatay.

“After winning the championship in last season’s NCRAA, we’re proud to represent the country. ICC will do its best to bring honors to the country while promoting friendship and camaraderie with other school-teams,” added Gumatay.

“Actually, bago kami pumunta, pinag-usapan na namin yan. Alam naman natin na pag dating sa height medyo kulang tayo kaya talaga yun mga players sabi ko sa kanila kung ano man ang mangyari don, yun exposure at experience natin gawin natin. Ibigay natin yun best natin. And of course mag concentrate kami sa team defense dahil.alam naman natin pag international, malalaki sila.”

Gumatay expressed confidence that this international event is a big help to the school.

“Sobrang laking bagay nito sa school, lalo na sa mga players kaya naman nagpapasalamat kami kay sir Marco. Pati na kay boss Buddy, na siyang nag arrange going to Australia.”

Encarnado, who also serves as NCRAA General Manager, travelled to Sydney last February to finalize the participation of the NCRAA champion.

. “The champion of this year’s tournament will again be sent next year to join the tournament.” said Encarnado.

“The local Philippine community in NSW is now eagerly awaiting our local team. Some have already volunteered to host lunch and dinner to the Blue Hawks,” added Encarnado.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa local organizer na, ACBA, pati na sa Down Under Sports. Yun privillega na binigay sa atin talagang magandang opportunity” said Encarnado.

Gumatay will be assisted by Michael Angelo Gonzales and Richard Rosales who will serve as the liaison officer of NCRAA to coordinate the team schedules.

Leading the Blue Hawks are team captain Alfred Flores, Jared Vento, Louise Rocha, Felix Corpuz, Ivan Joaquin, Jan Famaranco, Brent Paccarangan, Paul Gadin, Jayvee Ibarra and Edrian Ramirez.